Module 7

Modal Analysis

7. Modal Analysis

Training Manual

INTRODUCTION TO ANSYS 6.0 - Part 2

Modal analysis is used to determine a structures vibration characteristics natural frequencies and mode shapes. It is the most fundamental of all dynamic analysis types and is generally the starting point for other, more detailed dynamic analyses. In this chapter, we will describe how to do a basic modal analysis via the following topics:
A. Procedure B. Workshop

For details, refer to your Structural Analysis Guide or Dynamics Training Manual.

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Modal Analysis

A. Procedure
The steps to do a modal analysis are as follows:
Preprocessing

Training Manual

INTRODUCTION TO ANSYS 6.0 - Part 2

Geometry
Meshing Solution Analysis Type and Options

Loading
Solve Postprocessing Review results

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Modal Analysis

...Procedure
Geometry & Meshing Same considerations as a static analysis:

Training Manual

INTRODUCTION TO ANSYS 6.0 - Part 2

Include as many details as necessary to sufficiently represent model geometry.

A fine mesh will be needed to resolve complex mode shapes.

Both Youngs modulus and density are required.

Specify mass density instead of weight density when using British units. weight density (lb/in3) g (in/sec2) = mass density (lb-sec2/in4) For example, density of steel = 0.283/386 = 7.3E-04 lb-sec2/in4

Linear elements and material properties only. Nonlinearities are ignored.

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Modal Analysis

...Procedure
Analysis Type The analysis type is modal.
Solution > -Analysis Type- New Analysis
Or issue ANTYPE,MODAL

Training Manual

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INTRODUCTION TO ANSYS 6.0 - Part 2

Modal Analysis

...Procedure
Analysis Options
Mode extraction options
MODOPT command or Solution > Analysis Options... Method: Block Lanczos is generally recommended. Number of modes: Specify the number of modes you want to extract.

Training Manual

INTRODUCTION TO ANSYS 6.0 - Part 2

Mode expansion options

MXPAND command or Solution > Analysis Options... Expanding modes allows you to view them in the postprocessor. Number of modes is usually the same as the number extracted.

Prestress effects
PSTRES command or Solution > Analysis Options... calculate mode shapes of a prestressed structure, such as a spinning turbine blade.
Default settings are usually sufficient

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Modal Analysis

...Procedure
Loading & Solve The only loads valid in a modal analysis are displacement constraints:
Solution > -Loads- Apply > Displacement > Or use the D family of commands: D, DK, DL, DA, etc.

Training Manual

INTRODUCTION TO ANSYS 6.0 - Part 2

If you dont specify constraints, ANSYS will calculate rigid body modes (zero frequency).
After all constraints have been specified, obtain the solution:
First save the database (SAVE command or Toolbar > SAVE_DB). Then issue SOLVE (or Solution > -Solve- Current LS).

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Modal Analysis

...Procedure
Review Results

Training Manual

INTRODUCTION TO ANSYS 6.0 - Part 2

POST1 (the general postprocessor) is used to review modal analysis results. Typically, the first step is to list the natural frequencies:
General Postproc > Results Summary Or issue SET,LIST Note that each mode is stored in a separate substep.

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Modal Analysis

...Procedure
To plot a mode shape:
First read results for that substep General Postproc > Results Summary... Or use the SET command Then plot the deformed shape General Postproc > Plot Results > Deformed Shape

Training Manual

INTRODUCTION TO ANSYS 6.0 - Part 2

Or use the PLDISP command

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Modal Analysis

...Procedure
You can also animate mode shapes:
Utility Menu > PlotCtrls > Animate > Mode Shape Or use the ANMODE command

Training Manual

INTRODUCTION TO ANSYS 6.0 - Part 2

Another option is to plot contours stresses and strains. Note, however, that displacement and stress values are simply relative numbers and have no real meaning.

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Modal Analysis

B. Workshop
This workshop consists of the following problem:
W6. U-Bracket

Training Manual

INTRODUCTION TO ANSYS 6.0 - Part 2

Please refer to your Workshop Supplement for instructions.

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